The Operation

This operation is called total pelvic exenteration because it removes the organs in your pelvic cavity. Three systems are involved: the gastrointestinal system, the urinary system, and the gynecologic system. (See Figures 1, 2, and 3.) During the operation, part of your large intestine (colon) will be removed. Your rectum and anus will also be taken out. This means you will need a new place for stool to leave your body. The end of the remaining intestine will be brought outside on your abdomen. This is called an ostomy. The ostomy is called a colostomy. The opening itself is called a stoma. A pouch will cover the stoma to collect stool. You will be taught how to care for the stoma as you recover. You will also get another booklet that answers questions you may have about living with an ostomy.

Your bladder and urethra will be removed. This means you will need a new place for urine to leave your body. Your kidneys and ureters will be reconnected to a new urinary collection system. It is called a urinary diversion. There are two types of diversions. Each opens onto the abdomen. This opening is also called a stoma. With one type, the urine drains into a bag that you place around the stoma. This is called an ileal conduit. With the other, you will place a drainage tube in the stoma several times a day to drain the urine. This is called a urinary pouch. Your doctor will discuss these with you. Your nurse will give you a booklet describing the diversion you will have.

Your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus will be removed. All or part of your vagina might also be removed. In some cases, the vagina can be reconstructed. Ask your doctor if this is an option for you. A plastic surgeon will do it after the rest of the operation is done. A new vaginal canal is created from muscles and skin in other areas of your body. Your nurse will tell you about the care of your new vagina. If you do not want reconstruction, the area can be closed or covered with a flap of skin.

If your vagina is left, you should be able to have intercourse. If you can have reconstruction, you should be able to resume having intercourse when the area heals. If you cannot have reconstruction, remember that sex can include other forms of intimacy. Ask if your clitoris will be removed. Ask how much feeling you will retain in the vaginal area. Your doctor and nurse will tell you what to expect. For example, sensations may not be the same as they were before your surgery. You might like a referral to our Sexual Health Program. A therapist can assist you regarding these concerns.

Figure 1Figure 2Figure 3

Preparation

You will likely see many doctors and nurses before the operation. Each specialist will describe his or her role in your care and answer your questions. You may see surgeons from other services who will work with your surgeon to complete the operation. You may see a psychologist who works with women having this operation. You may also see a certified wound, ostomy, and continence nurse, also known as a (CWOCN). The CWOCN will talk to you about the ostomy you will have. It might help you to write down questions as you think of them. Take your list with you when you have appointments. You might also ask to speak with someone who has had the operation. Your social worker might be able to arrange that.

Your intestines, also called bowels, must be clean before surgery. The cleaning lowers the level of bacteria in your intestine. You will also be given antibiotics to take by mouth. The bowel cleaning and antibiotics help to prevent infections after surgery. You will get a fact card on your bowel preparation. The nurse will review it with you and answer any questions you have.

After Surgery

Figure 4: You will have a bag over the stoma if you have an ileal conduit. You will have a
catheter if you have a urinary pouch.
When you wake up, you will be in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). You will have many tubes, drains, pouches, and bandages on your abdomen. (see Figures 4). They may include:

A Jackson Pratt drain or “JP” to drain fluid from around an incision or wound. The drain is taken out when the incision stops draining.

A catheter or drainage tube to drain urine from your urinary diversion.

A second drainage tube at the site of the incision. This serves as a safety catheter. It is placed in case the urinary diversion catheter gets blocked or comes out. It is clamped shut and usually has a “Do Not Touch” sign.

Please don't be alarmed when you first see them. Your abdomen will become more swollen over the next few days and then the swelling will go down. Most of the drains and tubes will be removed over the next days to weeks. In about three to six weeks, most women will have one stoma for a urinary pouch or an ileal conduit and a second stoma for stool (see Figure 5).

Figure 5
You will also have:

Bandages and drains on your upper inside thighs if you had reconstruction of your vagina

Compression boots on your calves to help blood circulate. These will stay on whenever you are in bed until you are discharged

You will need to cough, deep breathe, and use the incentive spirometer 10 times every hour while you are awake. You will be taught how to do these before your operation. Practice before your operation. That will make it easier for you to do them. The nurses will ask you to begin doing them when you arrive in the PACU.

Most women stay overnight in the PACU. You will be transferred to an inpatient room the next day. You will have pain at your incision site and your abdomen. Your pain will be managed with the PCA pump. A PCA is a pump that you control yourself; it gives you pain medicine through your IV. Your nurse will show you how to use it.

You will not be able to eat or drink for a few days after the surgery. Your doctor will first allow you to drink clear liquids such as tea, broth, and Jell-O®. Your diet will slowly be advanced to solid food.

You will get out of bed soon after you arrive in your inpatient room and will begin walking in the hall. Someone from the nursing staff will help you until you are able to walk on your own. You will be taught how to get out of bed in a way that lessens the pain to your incision. You may feel very tired and not want to walk. However, walking will help you recover from the operation. If you take pain medicine before getting out of bed, your incision will hurt less. If you had vaginal reconstruction, you will not be able to sit for 6 to 8 weeks. You can lie on your back or side or you can stand.

You can expect bleeding from almost any of the incisions or around the drains. You may also have some discharge and tenderness for a few days. Your nurse will show and tell you what is normal and expected as he or she cares for you. You will also begin to learn how to care for the ostomy and incision lines. Most patients are in the hospital for 7 to 10 days.

Some of the tubes and drains may be removed before you are discharged from the hospital. If you have a stapled incision, the staples are usually taken out before you leave the hospital. Some women will have them removed at the first follow-up visit. If you go home with the drains, your nurses will teach you how to care for them.

Going Home

When you are discharged from the hospital, you may still have drains in place. Ask your nurse or doctor when they will be removed. You will be given supplies you need to care for yourself for the first month. You will then order your supplies from an outside source. Your discharge nurse case manager will arrange to have a visiting nurse see you at home. This nurse will help you while you are learning to care for your incision, ostomy, and urinary diversion. The stomas will not be visible under most of your clothes.

As time goes on, you will get stronger. You will be more confident in caring for your incision, urinary diversion, and ostomy. Your appetite and energy will improve. Before too long, you will be able to resume most of your normal activities.

Support

This is a major operation, which will change your body, and it will probably take time for you to adjust to these changes. You may feel frightened, angry, or worried. You may have questions or fears about how this surgery will impact your sexuality. These feelings are normal and occur in most patients.

Each person adjusts in her own way. For some, coming to terms with a changed body image will happen over several months. For others, it may take longer. Please know that we have many resources to help you. Your doctors and nurses will answer your questions. We also have social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and CWOCNs who have helped many women through this adjustment. You might like to see someone from our Sexual Health Program who deals with issues like these. We also have clergy available for spiritual support. We may be able to arrange for you to meet with another woman who has had this surgery, and who can talk with you and answer questions.

Just as your body will heal, and you will be able to resume your normal activities, you will also learn to adapt to the changes that at first seemed overwhelming. Every new situation requires time to adjust. Loss of a body part, external or internal, often triggers a time of grieving. Remember that we have many resources to guide you to recovery.

Support Groups / Staff Members:

If you would like more support or information about intimacy after cancer, please speak with your nurse or doctor. You can also call The Female Sexual Medicine and Women's Health Program for more information and an appointment.

Urethra - The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body

Urinary diversion - The creation of a new pathway for urine to leave the body

Urinary system - The system that includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra

Visiting nurse - A nurse who travels to patients' homes

Last updated: January 1, 2011

abdomen (AB-doh-men)

The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

analgesia (A-nul-JEE-zhee-uh)

Pain relief.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

anus (AY-nus)

The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

appetite (A-peh-tite)

A desire to satisfy a physical or mental need, such as for food, sex, or adventure.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

bacteria (bak-TEER-ee-uh)

A large group of single-cell microorganisms. Some cause infections and disease in animals and humans. The singular of bacteria is bacterium.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

bladder (BLA-der)

The organ that stores urine.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

blood (blud)

A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

body image (BAH-dee IH-mij)

The way a person thinks about his or her body and how it looks to others.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

bowel (BOW-ul)

The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. The bowel has two parts, the small bowel and the large bowel. Also called intestine.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

breast (brest)

Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

Case Manager

A Memorial Sloan Kettering employee, usually a nurse, who will advocate on your behalf with your insurance company if the proposed treatment plan is not available within your network of providers.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

catheter (KA-theh-ter)

A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cavity (KA-vih-tee)

A hollow area or hole. It may describe a body cavity (such as the space within the abdomen) or a hole in a tooth caused by decay.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

clergy (KLER-jee)

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

colon (KOH-lun)

The longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube-like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The colon removes water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

colostomy (koh-LOS-toh-mee)

An opening into the colon from the outside of the body. A colostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the colon has been removed.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

compression (kum-PREH-shun)

A pressing or squeezing together. In medicine, it can describe a structure, such as a tumor, that presses on another part of the body, such as a nerve. It can also describe the flattening of soft tissue, such as the breast, that occurs during a mammogram (x-ray of the breast).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

device (dee-VISE)

An object that has a specific use. In medicine, wheelchairs, pumps, and artificial limbs are examples of devices.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

diet (DY-et)

The things a person eats and drinks.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

discharge (DIS-charj)

In medicine, a fluid that comes out of the body. Discharge can be normal or a sign of disease. Discharge also means release of a patient from care.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

drain (drayn)

In medicine, to remove fluid as it collects; or, a tube or wick-like device used to remove fluid from a body cavity, wound, or infected area.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

estrogen (ES-truh-jin)

A type of hormone made by the body that helps develop and maintain female sex characteristics and the growth of long bones. Estrogens can also be made in the laboratory. They may be used as a type of birth control and to treat symptoms of menopause, menstrual disorders, osteoporosis, and other conditions.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

exenteration (eg-ZEN-teh-RAY-shun)

Surgery to remove organs within a body cavity.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

fluid (FLOO-id)

A substance that flows smoothly and takes the shape of its container. Liquids and gases are fluids.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

follow-up (FAH-loh-up)

Monitoring a person's health over time after treatment. This includes keeping track of the health of people who participate in a clinical study or clinical trial for a period of time, both during the study and after the study ends.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

gastrointestinal (GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul)

Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

gynecologic (GY-neh-kuh-LAH-jik)

Having to do with the female reproductive tract (including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

IL

One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. ILs regulate immune responses. ILs made in the laboratory are used as biological response modifiers to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. An interleukin is a type of cytokine. Also called interleukin.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

ileostomy (IL-ee-OS-toh-mee)

An opening into the ileum, part of the small intestine, from the outside of the body. An ileostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the intestine has been removed.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

imaging (IH-muh-jing)

In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as x-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves), and radio waves.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

incision (in-SIH-zhun)

A cut made in the body to perform surgery.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

incontinence (in-KON-tih-nents)

Inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or the escape of stool from the rectum (fecal incontinence).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

intestine (in-TES-tin)

The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. The intestine has two parts, the small intestine and the large intestine. Also called bowel.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

intravenous (IN-truh-VEE-nus)

Into or within a vein. Intravenous usually refers to a way of giving a drug or other substance through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. Also called IV.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

IV

Into or within a vein. IV usually refers to a way of giving a drug or other substance through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. Also called intravenous.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

kidney (KID-nee)

One of a pair of organs in the abdomen. Kidneys remove waste from the blood (as urine), produce erythropoietin (a substance that stimulates red blood cell production), and play a role in blood pressure regulation.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

medicine (MEH-dih-sin)

Refers to the practices and procedures used for the prevention, treatment, or relief of symptoms of a diseases or abnormal conditions. This term may also refer to a legal drug used for the same purpose.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

nurse (nurs)

A health professional trained to care for people who are ill or disabled.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

organ (OR-gun)

A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

ostomy (OS-toh-mee)

An operation to create an opening (a stoma) from an area inside the body to the outside. Colostomy and urostomy are types of ostomies.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

outpatient (OWT-pay-shunt)

A patient who visits a health care facility for diagnosis or treatment without spending the night. Sometimes called a day patient.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

PCA

A method of pain relief in which the patient controls the amount of pain medicine that is used. When pain relief is needed, the person can receive a preset dose of pain medicine by pressing a button on a computerized pump that is connected to a small tube in the body. Also called patient-controlled analgesia.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pelvic (PEL-vik)

Having to do with the pelvis (the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pelvic exenteration (PEL-vik eg-ZEN-teh-RAY-shun)

Surgery to remove the lower colon, rectum, and bladder, and create stomata (openings) through which urine and stool are passed out of the body. In women, the cervix, vagina, ovaries, and nearby lymph nodes are also removed.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pelvis (PEL-vus)

The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

physical therapy (FIH-zih-kul THAYR-uh-pee)

The use of exercises and physical activities to help condition muscles and restore strength and movement. For example, physical therapy can be used to restore arm and shoulder movement and build back strength after breast cancer surgery.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

plastic surgeon (PLAS-tik SER-jun)

A surgeon who specializes in reducing scarring or disfigurement that may occur as a result of accidents, birth defects, or treatment for diseases.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

psychiatrist (sy-KY-uh-trist)

A medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

psychologist (sy-KAH-loh-jist)

A specialist who can talk with patients and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pump (pump)

A device that is used to give a controlled amount of a liquid at a specific rate. For example, pumps are used to give drugs (such as chemotherapy or pain medicine) or nutrients.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

recover (ree-KUH-ver)

To become well and healthy again.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

rectum (REK-tum)

The last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

referral (reh-FER-ul)

In medicine, the act of a doctor in which a patient is sent to another doctor for additional healthcare services.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

Referral

The approval form you receive from your primary care physician for you to see a specialist or get certain services. In many managed care plans, you need to get a referral form before you get care from anyone except your primary care doctor. If you do not first get a referral, the plan may not pay for your care. Patients in HMO plans must also obtain authorization for treatment from the carrier prior to an appointment at an out-of-network facility.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

rehabilitation (REE-huh-BIH-lih-TAY-shun)

In medicine, a process to restore mental and/or physical abilities lost to injury or disease, in order to function in a normal or near-normal way.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

sexuality (SEK-shoo-A-lih-tee)

A person's behaviors, desires, and attitudes related to sex and physical intimacy with others.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

small intestine (... in-TES-tin)

The part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

social worker (SOH-shul WUR-ker)

A professional trained to talk with people and their families about emotional or physical needs, and to find them support services.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

specialist (SPEH-shuh-list)

In medicine, a doctor or other health care professional who is trained and licensed in a special area of practice. Examples of medical specialists include oncologists (cancer specialists) and hematologists (blood specialists).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

stoma (STOH-muh)

A surgically created opening from an area inside the body to the outside.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

stomach (STUH-muk)

An organ that is part of the digestive system. The stomach helps digest food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

stool (stool)

The material in a bowel movement. Stool is made up of undigested food, bacteria, mucus, and cells from the lining of the intestines. Also called feces.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

support group (suh-PORT groop)

A group of people with similar disease or concerns who help each other cope by sharing experiences and information.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

surgeon (SER-jun)

A doctor who removes or repairs a part of the body by operating on the patient.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

surgery (SER-juh-ree)

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

urethra (yoo-REE-thruh)

The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

urinary (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee)

Having to do with urine or the organs of the body that produce and get rid of urine.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

urinary diversion (YOOR-ih-NAYR-ee dih-VER-zhun)

A surgical procedure to make a new way for urine to leave the body. It may involve redirecting urine into the colon, using catheters to drain the bladder, or making an opening in the abdomen and collecting urine in a bag outside the body.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

urine (YOOR-in)

Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

uterus (YOO-teh-rus)

The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called womb.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

vagina (vuh-JY-nuh)

The muscular canal that goes from the uterus to the outside of the body. During birth, the baby passes through the vagina. Also called birth canal.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

vaginal (VA-jih-nul)

Having to do with the vagina (the birth canal).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

will (wil)

A legal document in which a person states what is to be done with his or her property after death, who is to carry out the terms of the will, and who is to care for any minor children.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

wound (woond)

A break in the skin or other body tissues caused by injury or surgical incision (cut).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)